The Imagine Institute is a world-leading research center dedicated to genetic and inflammatory diseases, located on the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital campus in Paris. It offers a unique translational environment combining cutting-edge genomics platforms, clinical proximity, and interdisciplinary expertise.
The Ménager lab focuses on deciphering immune cell heterogeneity in inflammatory diseases using single-cell multi-omics, functional immunology, and translational approaches.
https://www.institutimagine.org/en/mickael-menager-187
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the SMART-JIA project, which aims to validate, mechanistically characterize, and clinically translate novel predictive biomarkers of anti-TNF non-response in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and adult Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Building on our pioneering scRNA-seq analysis of PBMCs from oligoarticular JIA patients prospectively stratified by anti-TNF response — we identified two transcriptomic signatures significantly enriched in non-responders and revealing TNF-independent inflammatory endotypes
SMART-JIA has three integrated aims:
Aim 1: Prospective validation of Sig1/Sig2 as a SMART-Score in an independent JIA cohort, integrating molecular and clinical data into an AI-driven stratification tool
Aim 2: Mechanistic characterization of the resistance to anti-TNF
Aim 3: Cross-disease validation of Sig1/Sig2 in biologic-naïve adult RA patients
Design, perform, and analyze single-cell multi-omics experiments (10x Genomics Multiome, scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq) from patient-derived PBMCs
Develop and execute ex vivo functional assays to investigate molecular mechanisms of treatment resistance
Perform computational analyses of single-cell datasets (or collaborate closely with bioinformaticians)
Contribute to biomarker validation and development of the SMART-Score predictive algorithm with clinical collaborators (pediatric and adult rheumatology, Necker and Cochin Hospitals)
An exciting scientific project at the forefront of precision medicine in rheumatology
A position in a world-class research institute with highly collaborative and translational environment with direct access to clinical cohorts, biobanks and state-of-the-art single-cell genomics, and bioinformatics core facilities
Competitive salary according to INSERM postdoctoral scales and experience
Opportunities for career development, including mentoring, conference attendance, and networking within national/international consortia
The opportunity to live and work in Paris, one of Europe's leading scientific hubs.
PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline
Strong expertise in flow cytometry/cell sorting and functional immunology assays
Experience with primary human immune cells, ideally from clinical cohorts
Familiarity with single-cell omics technologies (10x Genomics) and/or epigenetic approaches
Ability to work independently in a collaborative, translational research environment
Excellent scientific communication skills (written and oral, in English)
Experience in autoimmunity, or inflammatory/rheumatic diseases
Computational skills in R/Python for single-cell data analysis
Track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
Applicants should submit a single PDF containing:
Cover letter (maximum 1 page) describing motivation and suitability for the position.
Curriculum Vitae including publication list.
Research summary (maximum 1 page).
Contact information for 2–3 referees (or reference letters).